Pope Benedict XVI in shock resignation

[Sinnerr]

A news story came out today about gay bishops in the Vatican being blackmailed. The pope was given the report, and resigned the same day.
Details are very sketchy at this point.

I've read about it as well. Absoltely no surprise for me!

Anyway, I know it's not possible, but it would be interesting to know how many priests is between users here on gayheaven. I'd guess a lot! :devil:

 

[sunandmoon]

*sigh* more un-substantiated hear-say.

RCC being one of the most closed organizations - no surprises that information about its internal dealings is anything - from solid truth to wildest assumptions.

A lot of the latter would have stood no chance had the Vatican decided to become more transparent. A long shot, I know

 

[Tjerk12]

I am not religious. For me there is no God. But I do respect other opinions. You see often a tendency that proving bad behavior of others could be an indication for superior behavior of yourself. Such is not a good argument. We should realize that democracy is often also not transparent. Political organisations tend to show only their benefits and hide their evil behavior. The RCC is in fact a political organisation when we talk about their power. Let us be happy that they have no army like other big powers.

 

[ihno]

So, now, when does the "white/black smoke show" finally start?

I'm waiting... :waiting:

 

[Sinnerr]

I think They will elect someone from Europe or this Canadian Cardinal. Medial speculations about African Pope are kinda sci-fi. They need someone bit liberal cos they can't loose another believers in civilized world. They need MONEY and Africa absoletely isn't able to give enought.

 

[ihno]

I don't know.

I think they don't care for the liberal world and countries like Germany, where people gradually become atheists. With Africa and and countries, where more believers are poor, they have a future. So I don't know if they'll elect a liberal.

 

[haiducii]

In America, we have a black president. Will we see the first black Pope? I don't think so!

 

[Sinnerr]

Number of Cardinals:
Europe: 62
N. America: 15
S. America: 19
Asia: 11
Africa: 11
Australia: 1

They will be pragmatic. I really don't think that for example Mr. Duka would like to relocate from luxury baroque palace in front of Prague Castle to Africa.

But if they would elect someone extremely conservative number of Catholuics in Czech Rep. would go on rapidly way down.
Census results: 1991 over 4 million Catholics, 2001 2,7 mil., 2011 1 million. So if that trend will go on in few next years here will be more gays than Roman Catholics :rofl:

 

[j515253]

Thank you for the stats

 

[tonka]

I wonder why there's little talk about a Latin candidate. If they are playing a game of demographics, that's the sweet spot. Large and growing Catholic population, in countries with growing economies.

The real need, of course, is someone who can help them face their issues more directly.
They've replaced Hollywood as scandal central.
They had a savior 2000 years ago. Maybe again?

 

[bigsal]

I am not religious. For me there is no God. But I do respect other opinions. You see often a tendency that proving bad behavior of others could be an indication for superior behavior of yourself. Such is not a good argument. We should realize that democracy is often also not transparent. Political organisations tend to show only their benefits and hide their evil behavior. The RCC is in fact a political organisation when we talk about their power. Let us be happy that they have no army like other big powers.

Do not need them.

Wars and battles have made them do unto others, always.

Those who know the history, know what I mean.

 

[bigsal]

I think They will elect someone from Europe or this Canadian Cardinal. Medial speculations about African Pope are kinda sci-fi. They need someone bit liberal cos they can't loose another believers in civilized world. They need MONEY and Africa absoletely isn't able to give enought.

You do not have the slightest idea how is super-rich the Vatican.

 

[tyan]

^^^ you can said that again

they are so rich

 

[tonka]

I have one rule for the new Pope:

NO MORE RED SHOES!

Until they elect an openly gay, fabulously fun pope...they need to put those fabulous red shoes away.

 

[Sinnerr]

You do not have the slightest idea how is super-rich the Vatican.

I know they are rich, but I have many doubts they could sell things from his property without problem. And they have mandatory costs what must be paid.
If believers would in a minute stop sponsoring them they have nothing. Marbel, silk and gold aren't good to eat.

 

[tonka]

I have wondered who pays for the upkeep on the church holdings in Italy. The buildings, the frescos, and all the rest. It must be quite an expense.
Does Italy and the EU pick up much of that bill?

 

[ihno]

I have wondered who pays for the upkeep on the church holdings in Italy. The buildings, the frescos, and all the rest. It must be quite an expense.
Does Italy and the EU pick up much of that bill?

Don't know how much Italy and the EU pay for the "buildings, the frescos and all the rest" but those are heritages of all mankind.

Wasn't it Mr. Berlusconi, who tried to auction off the cultural leftovers of ancient Rome to some wealthy buisnessmen to make some quick money?

And I also don't that exactly, but I can imagine that Italy make a lot of money out of those "buildings, frescos and all the rest".

 

[bigsal]

@ ihno

Wasn't it Mr. Berlusconi, who tried to auction off the cultural leftovers of ancient Rome to some wealthy buisnessmen to make some quick money?

You're right, but B. wanted to sell the assets of the State, not assets the Vatican.

@ tonka

I have wondered who pays for the upkeep on the church holdings in Italy. The buildings, the frescos, and all the rest. It must be quite an expense.
Does Italy and the EU pick up much of that bill?

Unfortunately, you are partly right. As far as I know, the EU does not pay anything.

The Italian State will cover all expenses incurred by the Church. All at taxpayer expense (at least those like me who pay taxes).

The priests when they retire are entitled to a substantial pension, of course paid by the Italian State.

Professors of religion, which pro rata are much more than those the other school subjects important, are paid also by the Italian State .....

There are lots of other things I could list, but I'm going to want to vomit, so I will stop here.

Remains valid proposal to assign the Vatican every four years to a different State, as is the case for the Olympics and the World Cup.

See also this post:

http://www.gayheaven.org/showpost.php?p=1352971&postcount=45

 

[ihno]

@ ihno

You're right, but B. wanted to sell the assets of the State, not assets the Vatican.

I know but that's not the point. I don't think that's a valid argument to complain about tax money that goes to the "frescos".

The point is that cultural heritage is a responsibility of everyone. A responsibility before history and future generations.

Yes, these things cost a lot of money. And "the church" or anybody else who owns artworks etc. aren't allowed to do with the frescos etc. what they want, they get preservation orders and have to take care for the wellbeing of the piece. And those things cost. So it's only fair if they get supported by tax money.

Or does anyone think that the UNESCO should not care for The Last Supper of DaVinci, only because it's inside a monestary? And if that monestary cannot afford restaurations you would just shrug your shoulders and call it Bad luck and be happy that "the church" didn't get any money?

 

[tonka]

Candidates for pope are pretty wide open. You don't need to be a bishop. You don't need to be a priest.
They need something different. How about a lovely Czech boy, with great common sense and wonderful blue eyes.

I give you....Pope Sinner the First!